Anything can be sent in a parcel except articles whose transmission is prohibited. It can contain single communication to the addressee of the parcel. If the parcel is suspected to contain other than the permitted communication, it will be opened in the presence of the addressee or his authorized agent, and each written communication will be charged on delivery with double the letter postage. If the addressee refuses to pay the charges, the parcel will be returned to the sender from whom the charge will not be recovered.

Weight and Size

1. The weight of an un-registered parcel should not exceed 4 kilograms (4000 grams). The weight of a registered parcel should not exceed
1. 10 kilograms if posted at or addressed to, a branch post office
2. 20 kilograms in other cases
2. The length of a parcel should not exceed 1 meter and the length and girth combined should not exceed 1.80 meters.
3. No parcel shall be such that, by reason of its shape, manner of packing or any other feature, it cannot be carried by post without serious inconvenience or risk.

Parcel Packing Tips

Manner of Prepaying Postage

The postage on a parcel, and also the registration fee if the parcel is to be registered must be prepaid fully. Postage stamps must be affixed to , or impressions of stamping machine taken in the cover of the parcel or and official label which can be obtained free at the post office. In cases where postage stamps are used the sender or his messenger must affix the stamps himself postal official being strictly forbidden to affix them. Should an official label be used it must be pasted to the parcel, and if the sender does not do this himself he is recommended to see it done in his presence before he leaves the post office.

Note:If wax-cloth is used as an outer covering for protection and sufficient strong paper has not been securely fastened outside the wax-cloth (See clause 15), it is advisable that the postage stamps should always be affixed to an official label.

Manner of Prepaying Postage

The postage on a parcel, and also the registration fee if the parcel is to be registered must be prepaid fully. Postage stamps must be affixed to , or impressions of stamping machine taken in the cover of the parcel or and official label which can be obtained free at the post office. In cases where postage stamps are used the sender or his messenger must affix the stamps himself postal official being strictly forbidden to affix them. Should an official label be used it must be pasted to the parcel, and if the sender does not do this himself he is recommended to see it done in his presence before he leaves the post office.

Note:If wax-cloth is used as an outer covering for protection and sufficient strong paper has not been securely fastened outside the wax-cloth (See clause 15), it is advisable that the postage stamps should always be affixed to an official label.

Manner of Posting

1. Every parcel (including service parcels) intended for transmission by post must be presented at the window of the post office. Any parcel found in a letter box will be treated and charged as a registered parcel.
2. If a parcel c ontaining any of the articles mentioned in sub-clauses (2) and (3) of clause 147 and clauses 148 to 152 contained in Post Office Guide Part I (corrected up to 01 July 1985) is not packed in the manner prescribed therein it will not be forwarded.

Compensation to be paid in respect of International Parcels

The compensation to be paid in respect of International Parcels booked in Post Offices in India in case of loss / total theft / total damage are as under:

For loss / total theft / total damage - 40 SDR* per parcel and 4.50 SDR* per kg. *at prevailing rates

Last Updated: 16th Aug 2021